In the Atlantic recently Emily Esfahani Smith makes a strong case that women deserve to be treated benevolently. She has reignited a debate that assumes men will act badly if cultural norms do not prevent them from doing so. The counterpoint, of course is that chivalrous behavior toward women demeans them; creates a power imbalance between sexes.

I find it fascinating that there is so much passion on both sides of this debate. Personally I will always open a door for a lady, offer to carry a load, offer my arm and offer to see her home. I never considered this anything except a respect for and love of women. I am as much a feminist as a person encumbered with a penis can possibly be.